Like/Dislike: Anisha Jagtap, Baltimore Burger Bar owner/chef

Vivienne Machi

When someone mentions that they studied biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University, you wouldn't expect them to own a local burger bar. But Houston native Anisha Jagtap does just that, running Hampden hot spot Baltimore Burger Bar.

"It all started with my love for food at a very young age, and when all my girlfriends saved money to shop, I saved money to go out and eat," said Jagtap, 27. But I was always in love with math and engineering, mainly gastronomy and prosthetics." The Burger Bar has formed its own culinary niche with inspired topping options and seasonal specials. You can, of course, build your own burger as well, and if you choose that path, be sure to try the roasted garlic mayo and quail egg duo toppings. Jagtap took some time out of her busy schedule grilling burgers and managing the bar to tell b about her favorite fashion statement and her contender for the best burger in town (besides her own).

Worst pet peeve? Overcooking my over easy eggs. This should be a chef basic!

What's on your iPod?I've been throwing back and been listening to a lot of '70s music recently and I can never get enough of old school Daft Punk and the classic Michael Jackson.

What song are you hating and/or loving right now?Hating LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem." "No Church in the Wild' by Kayne West, Jay-Z and Frank Ocean has a nice vibe.

Your worst habit? I get weak in the knees for diet soda, so much so I always open up new cans before finishing the older one. My staff would probably call me a huge control freak.

Trend that has exceeded its natural lifespan? Dude, cupcakes. WTF? I don't understand the hype at all. You can't beat a good slice of moist cake.

Favorite burger bar in town besides your own? High quality and well sourced ingredients are important. Woodberry Kitchen, Alewife and Vino Rosina are great examples! I'm a huge fan of European-style cast-iron cooking when trying to make the perfect burger.

Last movie you liked/disliked? I liked the concept of "The Hunger Games." "The Hangover Part II" could have been much better.

Last video that made you laugh? There's a Sissy Bounce movement in the South that I particularly find amusing. The videos tend to be a little over-the-top and somewhat catchy. Want to check it out? Try Diplo's "Express Yourself."

Favorite book you recently read? Marco Pierre White's "White Heat"

Last great meal you had? I just recently had the freshest Uni [sea urchin] I've ever had in [the area] at Jessie Wong's in Hunt Valley. The last great full meal I've had was classic "sponge diving" Greek food at Tarpon Springs in Tampa, Fla. Their dolmades left me speechless.

Favorite place to get a drink in Baltimore? Anywhere on the water. I like the artisanal cocktails at Wit & Wisdom, but also just love the classic dive bars of Baltimore with friends after a long day cooking.

Favorite and most loathed fashion statements? I love the new colored skinny jeans that are in style, but I still really don't find high-wasted cut offs to be attractive. Maybe the '80s trend isn't for me.

Favorite quote/saying? Listening to the wild teenagers of Hampden never lets me down. There are so many sayings I'm not sure where the hell to start.

Favorite thing about Baltimore? Everything about the water. The views can be unbelievable and being able to go hang out on the water is something I love to do on my days off.